Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL1044: Introduction to Public Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

Using contemporary examples of policy problems and research led teaching, the module explores the lifecycle of public policies. Where do policy issues come from? How do groups and elites get decision-makers’ attention? How are policy issues framed by policymakers? What are the cognitive dimensions of decision-making? Why do countries copy each other in their policy responses? Once a public policy is made can it ever be reversed or terminated? What role does knowledge and evaluation play in decision-makers’ policy reckonings? Why do countries copy each other in their policy responses? Once a public policy is made can it ever be reversed or terminated? Throughout the course links to employability and specifically how policy concepts can help us make policy in practice will be discussed.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. understand the nature and evolution of core concepts regarding public policy;
2. analyse selected policy theories, ideas, instruments, interests and institutions, and how policy outcomes reflect political forces and also change politics.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. analyse primary and secondary source material in the field of politics;
4. construct and present rigorous oral and written political arguments which show an understanding of key political theories and models.
Personal and Key Skills5. communicate effectively in oral and written work and in independent study and group work;
6. use on-line interactive material to apply key policy concepts to the empirical world.